SHOPKEEPERS in Rhos-on-Sea say a bus stop extended by three car lengths has damaged parking and trade in the village.

The bay opposite the Cayley pub on Rhos-on-Sea promenade has been extended by around 30ft to allow more room from incoming Arriva buses.

But shopkeepers are angry at least three free parking spots have now been lost.

Already parking is notoriously strained in the village and just last week traders complained of a lack of provision for spaces in the village.

Shop owners and workers said a council-owned car park on Colwyn Avenue only allowed eight hour parking and not enough time for a full working day.

Dawn Hughes runs Secret Delights on the Promenade and was furious three spaces had been lost: "We’ve lost three car parking spaces – why not move the bus stop? The place is full of elderly people so we need every space we can get to keep people here so they can walk to the shops."

John Clay runs Clay’s Corner model shop and the Harbour Lights Gift Shop on Rhos Road and had a similar gripe.

"There’s already too few parking spaces in this area, taking away those spaces will have a real impact on local businesspeople. It is a real struggle to park as it is," said John.

"If they move the bus stop along to the end that is fine, and we can have the three spaces back. Parking is very bad in Rhos-on-Sea, we need fewer double yellow lines."

Sales rep Ian McCallum was visiting Clay’s Corner for a business deal and said he had been unable to park: "There are no car spaces, I had to sit and wait 20 minutes for somebody to leave. I was clogging up the road waiting."